2020 Issue 2

WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG

MARCH • APRIL 2020

NORTHDALE CIVIC ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER community have been organized to help their neighbors-in-need in making improvements. If you believe that you, or neighbor, have a hardship in tackling your deed restriction violation(s), please contact a member of the Northdale Civic Association.

The contact information for Civic Association members can Continuing on the positive news in the January- be found online at Northdale.org. Click on February report, addressing deed restriction “Contact.”) violations has greatly improved the appearance of Northdale. Not only have people made There are a handful of homes that show no sign changes when the need was identified, it seems of progress in resolving violations. These that they are maintaining the improvements. As residents have received the maximum number a result, the overall number of violations has of letters from the lawyer and yet have made no changes. They have not contacted Merit, their greatly decreased. representative, nor anyone on the NCA Board In its most recent report, Merit indicated that seeking assistance. For these reasons, the very that there is a total of 541 Deed Restriction worst offenders will be offered mediation. The violations that should be addressed. This ultimate step will be to bring those involved to means that some people may have had 2 to 3 court should mediation fail or be refused. It is a violations. This involves just 200-300 of the step that the Northdale Civic Association will 2700 homes in Northdale. There has also been hate to take but will proceed if necessary. a great reduction in the letters sent from the lawyer. People have spoken with Merit or their There are lots of negative comments about the village representative and described a particular efforts in addressing deed restriction violations, impediment to completing the work. They have particularly on social media. Aggressive and been able to explain delays such as health somewhat threatening phone calls have been issues, waiting for a painter to get started or received by some NCA Board members. simply needing some extra help. Their “lawyer Generally speaking, those who are complaining letter” status has been put on hold. (Through the most are NOT members of the Northdale the efforts of a Civic Association Board Civic Association! What these folks do not member, groups of volunteers from the seem to understand is that it takes the efforts of all home owners AND renters to keep Northdale

NCA Deed Restriction Committee Report

attractive and, ultimately, valuable in the real estate market. It is the responsibility of ALL residents to make sure their living area is neat.

It is simple, common courtesy.

Deed restrictions are the reminders of the basic things that need to be done to maintain the appearance of a property. As the saying goes, “We are all in this together!”

For those Northdale neighbors who have needed to cut down a laurel oak because it had become diseased or blown over in a storm, USA Lawns, in conjunction with the NCA and the Special Tax District, has a special offer that can help you fill the hole. During April ONLY, USA Lawns will plant an 8-10 foot live oak tree for $300 for Northdale residents. Live Oaks have a very long life span. (Bearss Groves, on Lake Magdalene Blvd., has a 400 year old live oak tree!)

Additional news: At the end of January, the Northdale Golf and Tennis Club was sold at auction. The NCA Board of Directors sent letters to the auction house as well as the Hillsborough County Commissioners about maintaining that property’s current zoning code. We will provide more information when it becomes available.

Thank you, Tom Murray

Annual dues are $50.00. Please make your check payable to the Northdale Civic Associa on.

Interested in joining the Northdale OWLS? Find a registra on form at WWW.NORTHDALE.ORG. The $15 annual OWLS’ dues are included with your NCA membership.

Mail Payment to: Northdale Civic Associa on, 3853 Northdale Blvd. Box 374, Tampa, FL 33624 Or, you may pay using your credit or debit card online at: WWW. NORTHDALE.ORG Thank you for your support!

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Expira on Date 4/12/2020

Expira on Date 4/12/20

PRESIDENT’S LETTER The Northdale Civic Association is proud to sponsor the following annual events for our residents:

Northdale Park staff member will then sign their paperwork for credit.

Any questions, please call me.

On Saturday, March 28th from 8 A.M. to 1 P.M. turn clutter and unused possessions into cash by participating in Northdale’s Community-wide Garage Sale. The NCA handles advertising and charges only $5 to include your address in the Treasure Map on the community website www.northdale.org.

I encourage residents to participate in the Northdale Civic Association Deed Restriction Survey which is available from the main page of the community website, www.northdale.org. Your input is important to us. So far, results are 50-50. We’re either too strict, or we aren’t doing nearly enough. Some responders want the deed restrictions changed to make them less restrictive, some want them even stricter. Existing deed restrictions cannot be changed without the approval of a majority of homeowners (in some villages more than a majority) and then officially filing them. It would be a labor intensive, expensive process and a difficult mountain to climb.

On Saturday, April 11th the NCA partners with Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Dept. for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park. This event is free for children 10 and under. Beginning at 9 A.M. volunteers will give participating children a raffle ticket for a prize drawing of gifts donated by local businesses and organizations. Please bring a basket for the little ones to carry their eggs. I’ve heard that the Easter Bunny will be stopping by for pictures with the children. If you, or your business, would be interested in donating a basket for the raffle, please contact NCA Board Member, Martha Hughes, at 813-477-0924.

On Saturday, April 18th the NCA sponsors the 18th annual Northdale Family Fun Festival & Parade at Northdale Park. Event hours are 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. The parade will kick off at 9:45 A.M. Come early and find a spot along Northdale Boulevard, from Mapledale Drive to Spring Pine Drive, and give all the participants a warm welcome. Then enjoy the fun and festivities at Northdale Park. All food, bottled water, games, inflatables, parking, and entertainment are offered free to the public. This is possible due to the generosity and commitment of the many supportive table sponsors, participating restaurants and food vendors. It’s a great day to meet your neighbors. Please note: Students can earn community service hours at this event. Students need to bring their school forms with them, sign in at the Northdale Civic Association booth when they arrive, and sign out when they finish. A

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AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offering free income tax preparation services at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library from 11A.M. - 3 P.M. on a first-come, first-served basis with special attention to those 60 and older. This program is in cooperation with the Free Tax Preparation Program in Hillsborough County.

I want to thank the many homeowners that support our efforts with their membership dollars. If you haven’t yet joined, we provide easy payment on-line at www.northdale.org, or return the form in this issue with your remittance. Like us on Facebook to keep abreast of what’s happening in Northdale. We invite residents to attend NCA Board meetings. They’re held the 3rd Tuesday of every month, except in December. Meetings begin at 7 P.M. at Northdale Park in the Bill Castens Gymnasium.

Sincerely, Ann Frisbie Frisbie_annv@verizon.net • (813) 968-8460 Northdale website at www.northdale.org

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WHAT IS THE NCA? The Northdale Civic Association is a volunteer organization whose mission is to make Northdale a better place to live and increase property values by enforcing the deed restrictions to which each homeowner is legally subject.

The NCA is also the organized voice of Northdale, and represents residents when issues affecting Northdale are raised by Hillsborough County, the State of Florida and other governing bodies. The NCA issues this Newsletter and organizes the following events and programs: Welcome Wagon, Easter Egg Hunt, Community Garage Sales, Family Fun Festival, Northdale Pumpkin Run, Holiday Decorating Contest, Meet the Candidates, and the Northdale OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lively, Seniors). Board meetings are open to the public and held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month except December.

HOW TO JOIN THE NCA Forms are available in each edition of the Northdale Newsletter. There are forms online at www.northdale.org.

HOW TO JOIN THE BOARD ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP IS ONLY $50.00. All members are eligible to run for NCA Board positions in elections held each January. Elections for those positions are made by the sitting board at the monthly board meetings. The dates of those meetings are posted in the Community Calendar.

NCA BOARD OFFICERS President: Ann Frisbie – Golf Club Estates I - 813-968-8460 Vice President: Tom Murray – Gables I - 781-760-7959 Secretary: Chelsea Walkenhorst – Golf Club Estates II - 615-513-8026 Treasurer: Bill Castens – The Woodlands - 813-833-0102 NCA BOARD DIRECTORS Robert Demeo – Golf Club Estates III - 813-546-0873 Nelson Marcano – Bay/Levitt - 813-732-9998 Martha Hughes – Fox Hollow - 813-477-0924 Robert Mantler – Claywell - 813-843-2137 Angela Rey – The Hammocks - 813-586-0243 Raymond Powell – Silverhill - 813-264-6157 Claude Siler-Nixon – Gables III - 813-362-4667 James Salgado – Country Mill, Brentwood Park & Fairway Villas - 813-610-2115 Jessica Watterson – Gables II - 630-569-2479 DEED RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS Residents may request an investigation of a Deed Restriction violation. Complaints must be in writing and submitted online to Merit Management Association-Perfected (“Merit”). Merit conducts periodic neighborhood inspections and will act on their findings when necessary.

To request an investigation of a possible Deed Restriction violation, go to the NCA website, www.northdale.org. On the left side of the Main Page, click on “Deed Restrictions”. Page down and select the “Online Complaint Form,” and fill it out with all pertinent information. You will be able to include a photo. Your form will be received by Merit.

When a violation occurs, Merit will send a letter to the homeowner(s) with a request to correct the problem(s).

If a homeowner has not corrected their violation(s) they’ll receive a second letter from Merit. Merit will complete a third inspection. If the deed restriction violation(s) remain after the third letter, legal action will be pursued. The resident will be notified of this step in a fourth letter.

Deed Restrictions for the “Villages” that make up Northdale can be found on the Northdale website. Select “Deed Restrictions” from the Main Page and click on the picture of the entrance to your “Village” (e.g. Gables 1). The Deed Restrictions will be displayed and can be printed for your records.

The NCA will not become involved in conflicts between neighbors, animal problems or landscape issues due to drought.

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March 3 OWLS Monthly Meeting Corned Beef & Cabbage Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium March 10 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room March 17 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room March 28 Community-wide Garage Sale 8 A.M. – 1 P.M. April 7 OWLS Monthly Meeting & Pot-Luck Lunch 11:00 AM Northdale Park Bill Castens Gymnasium April 11 Easter Egg Hunt 9:00 AM Northdale Park April 14 NSTD Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room April 18 Family Fun Festival & Parade 10:00 AM – 2 PM Northdale Park April 21 NCA Board Meeting 7:00 PM Northdale Park BCG Conference Room 5

Monthly Meetings on 1st Tues 11 AM @ Northdale Park Our Mission is to create a growing network of co-ed seniors, to provide social activities, local events, travel, entertainment and educational seminars in common interest groups as ways to safely enjoy our lives.

“OWLS March Madness – Even if you don’t follow basketball!”

Mar 3, Tues – Corned Beef Cabbage, Bag Pipes, Irish Dancing & Such at Owls luncheon.

Mar 10, Tues – “Beyond The Dark” presentation at Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Mar 12, Thurs – “River Cruise” followed by lunch at Rick’s On The River.

Mar 16, Mon – Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Mar 18, Wed – “Lunch Bunch” at Bonefish Grill (separate checks).

Mar 22, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: A Streetcar Named Desire, a drama!

Mar 24, Tues – “Spree Hike” at Alderman’s Ford Park.

Mar 27, Fri -- Tampa Bay Lightning hockey – Bolts vs Arizona Coyotes – GO BOLTS! Apr 7, Tues – Suzanne Reno & Client Geisler, the singing duo at monthly Owls meeting!

Apr 9, Thurs – HCC Culinary School Fine Dining at bargain pricing!

Apr 11, Sat – Easter Egg Hunt at Northdale Park – Free event for the grandkids!

Apr 14, Tues – Clearwater Sugar Sand Festival.

Apr 15, Wed – Lunch Bunch at Yummy House China Bistro (Separate Checks).

Apr 17, Fri – Travel by Cross Bay Ferry to & from Vinoy Renaissance Hotel for lunch.

Apr 18, Sat – Family Fun Festival - Free Parking, Food, Games & Entertainment.

Apr 19, Sun – Orlando overnight Jeanne Robertson comedy event.

Apr 20, Mon -- Bunco Party Luncheon at Brunchies, 14366 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Apr 24, Fri – 6th Annual Owls Picnic at Park food catered by John Erb. Apr 26, Sun Matinee – Carrollwood Players: Vania & Sonia & Marsha & Spike, a comedy Apr 29, Wed – Tampa Bay Downs Horse Races with reserve seating & buffet lunch.

May 5, Tues – Live Owl demonstration by Owls Nest Sanctuary for Wild Life.

For other scheduled events, see Owls website at: www.NorthdaleOWLS.org Weekly Activities include Aerobics Lite, Bridge, Line Dancing, BBOB’s (Bill’s Blooming Orchid Buddies), Couples Dance, Hand & Foot Cards, Mah Jongg, “Dress A Girl”, Pickleball, Yoga, Singing Hooters, Tai Chi, Table Tennis, Technology Workshop, Ukulele, Meals on Wheels Deliveries, & Walking!

Got Questions? Talk to any member of the OWLS, or contact Bill Castens at (813) 833-0102 NORTHDALE.ORG

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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT Currently, Northdale’s Special Tax District is busy with the regular maintenance of common areas as it awaits (still!) permits to initiate Northdale wall repairs. You have probably noticed that all holiday-related decorations, including the poinsettias, have been removed. Pretty spring plantings now welcome people as they enter the Northdale area. In addition to the plantings, the necessary and on-going process of “weed and feed” is happening.

Regarding the Northdale entrance, work will begin on the median closest to the Dale Mabry/Northdale intersection.

USA Lawns will be replacing tired or dead ground cover and decorative plants. New mulch will be spread.

As you travel down Northdale’s residential streets, you will notice that many of the large laurel oak trees are dying and being removed. These trees were planted as part of landscaping the newly established Northdale area 40 years ago. Laurel oaks were less expensive and grew tall very quickly. As they matured, they provided shade (plus pesky brown leaves everywhere!) and looked quite stately. Unfortunately, their life span is only 40-50 years and they become susceptible to disease. Northdale’s oaks are gradually dying. This has led to a lot of tree felling and stump grinding. As trees are removed, they leave a definite emptiness in the neighborhood’s scenery.

Good news! For Northdale homeowners who wish to restore an oak where a tree has been removed from their yard, USA Lawns has a special offer. They will plant a live oak, 8 to 10 feet tall, for $300.00. Life oaks have been known to last over 400 years! This price includes installation. The offer is available ONLY during the month of April.

When trees are planted in April, they are in the ground in anticipation of the rainy season which begins in early May. This timing allows the trees 6 months of reliable moisture as they become established. For further information, contact Ray Rose, USA Lawns, 813-866-0022.

As time goes on, it is quite clear that people are ready to complain about circumstances, but few are willing to do anything to rectify the situation. There is an opening on the Northdale Special Tax District Board. If you wish to have input regarding what’s going on in the community, please attend the meetings. Join the Board. NSTD meets on the second Tuesday of each month in the Conference Room of the Bill Castens Gymnasium.

Thank you and hope to see you at the meetings, Tom Murray, President

Update: If you have not noticed, the broken wall at the corner of Woodlark and Northdale Boulevard has been repaired.

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NORTHDALE SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT WHAT is the NSTD? The Northdale Special Taxing District is a Hillsborough County dependent tax district. The District was originally set-up under a State ordinance, but in 1992 was adopted under County ordinance #92-35. The County collects the taxes for the District and provides the ordinance or regulations that give authority to the District.

Funds are derived from the County non-ad valorem tax of $130 per residential unit.

Residents in single family homes, along with apartments and condominiums are assessed $130. Also, all properties within Northdale boundaries including businesses and other non-profit groups are taxed based on an equitable per residential unit basis.

The District is responsible for maintaining the common areas throughout Northdale.

These areas include the main entrances coming into Northdale, landscaping in common areas alongside roadways and medians, neighborhood entrances, the outer surface of the block walls and along the roadside. The District also maintains selected lakes and wetland areas along the main roadways in Northdale.

The District is governed by a Board of nine trustees who are elected by the public or appointed by the Board. Board members must be registered voters and reside in Northdale. The trustees receive no compensation for their work. The board has hired an administrator to complete many of the day-to-day details of the District. The administrator is a sub-contracted (paid) position.

Although the District does maintain the common areas in Northdale, there are many areas that the District does not control. The District does not maintain roads, street lighting, street signs or utility lines. Also, the District does not maintain private property or enforce deed restrictions. Deed restrictions are enforced by the Northdale Civic Association (NCA). The District and the Civic Association are two different and separate bodies. The District is a public governmental body and the Civic Association is a private association of Northdale residents. Only the Civic Association has authority to issue deed restriction warnings.

Although separate, the District and the Northdale Civic Association work to achieve the same goal of making Northdale a great place to live.

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Northdale Special Taxing District Board of Trustees Tom Murray President Earl Albright Vice President Bill Castens Treasurer Don Hachey Secretary Angel Bustelo Frank Giordano Ray Klaus Earl Albright Contact Information 813 381-5435 Northdale Special Tax District 3433 Lithia Pinecrest Rd #301 Valrico, Fl 33596 rick@thefloridasolutions group.com Tax District Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7PM at Northdale Park, Bill Castens Gymnasium Conference Room.

The next meetings will be held: March 10, 2020 April 14, 2020

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COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENTS Our Community Service Events, (CSE) are designed to help those in need and are the result of the thought that while we in Northdale are all neighbors, as such we are called to support each other whenever and wherever needed. We are family as well and with that basic premise in mind, we believe that for a community to be strong, we must work together. My name is Jim Salgado and I am the leader of a community based program, founded here in Northdale, which helps people in difficult times, we call this program Operation LEND A HAND, (OLAH). Our mission is simple, we find homes in need of light repairs, painting, pressure washing and more and with the leverage of our corporate sponsor, the Home Depot, and our team of local community volunteers, and we tackle these tasks one house at a time.

To qualify for these free services the candidate must meet certain criteria which rendered them unable to do for themselves and if all criteria is met, we place them on the list for future CS events. Some of our events you may have seen taking place over the last year and a half. We completed our first project in Country Place for a Desert Storm vet and her husband. Both were vets and disabled. Their home needed a few repairs but much of what we did was out in her front yard.

Because the multiple issues, the yard would not support grass growth so we planted ground cover jasmine then added much. Standing water was yet another problem so our team installed a French drain.

Additionally, her roof had a leak and the air conditioner would not start and cool the house so thanks to another not for profit I personally know came out and did the repairs. Their grandkids lived there as well and thanks to yet another not for profit, they were presented bikes! Finally, thanks to the good people at Famous Tate, the recipient received a new refrigerator.

Next, we worked on two homes on West Course drive.

The homes, beside each other received a French drain, an application of mulch and more! All this for a disabled Vietnam Veteran and a single mother of a special needs adult son. Our largest event took place on Summerdale Drive where a record 74 volunteers responded to help our target home. Our task there was simple but with the surplus of help, we expanded our event to include the neighboring two homes! Finally, we were even called by the Stephen Siller Foundation/ Tunnel to Towers to help complete the final touches for a new home for one of our Wounded Warriors in Land O Lakes. Sergeant First Class Anthony Kenworthy, United States Army and a quadriplegic received a new ‘smart home’ in which our team comprised of 20 volunteers along with Home Depot as our corporate sponsor, we laid sod, planted a number of shrubs and assembled patio furniture for this veteran.

For 2020 we already have two upcoming events for those in need. I would also like to add that this program could not function without the assistance of our Northdale Civic Association board members, who by the way have joined us for most of these events; our volunteers that come from Carrollwood Village, Northdale, Carrollwood Springs, Country Place, Lutz, from several local churches, MacDill AFB and even from our local courts! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our restaurant sponsors, of which they have provided food and drink for our volunteers; Beef O Brady’s, La Segunda and Jersey Mikes on Ehrlich & Dale Mabry. In closing I would also like to let you know that not one of these businesses charged for any product or service, it was all FREE, a donation to our community because it is these people, business owners, board members and our community volunteers that understand the need and responded. Should you desire more information on this or any program we in Northdale have, please feel free to join us for a monthly board meeting and allow me the pleasure to welcome you. We in OLAH are always looking for more that are interested in joining our growing team. This program would not be possible without you.

I hope to talk with you soon!

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